Battle brews over proposed cuts to elective courses in Fox Point-Bayside district

A battle is brewing over proposed reductions to school programs at the Fox Point-Bayside district.

The question is what options students at Bayside Middle School have when it comes to elective courses. The district is making changes, which don't sit well with some parents.

At a crowded school board meeting Monday night, attended by WISN 12 News' media partners at the Fox Point-Bayside Patch, parents voiced concern about a schedule change that will affect students at Bayside Middle School.

Starting in the next school year, fifth- and sixth-graders will spend less time in art classes so that they can spend more time in a newly created math and humanities program.

The district will also reduce the workload of one music teacher because it says fewer students signed up for band class.

"So what we have is a breakdown in communications," parent David Braeger said.

Braeger, who has two kids in the school system, said the district hasn't laid out what the new courses will consist of.

He said if the situation doesn't change, he will take out a recall petition against three school board members.

"The question I have is, how can you implement a new program? You have no curriculum set. You haven't talked to the teachers about it," Braeger said.

The board president told WISN 12 News they want to work with teachers over the summer to design that curriculum.

Superintendent Rachel Boechler said the changes are designed to help meet state standards and develop practical skills.

"I would say the skill development that comes out of projects-based, problem-solving creative thinking is critical to any child anywhere, whether there's a test behind it. That's the kind of skills we need out in the world. That's 21st century learning, which we've been working on and is actually our primary overriding goal as a district," Boechler said.

She said arts remain a priority.

"I would not work in a district that didn't support the arts. I strongly support it," Boechler said.

The district also recently sent preliminary layoff notices to 10 staff members, and Braeger said he wants that decision reversed.